Peanut butter cookies hold a special place in the hearts of cookie enthusiasts everywhere, but sometimes, making them can feel like a bit of a culinary marathon. What if you could capture that rich, nutty flavor with minimal fuss? This 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe does just that, bringing you the joy of homemade cookies with a surprisingly simple list of ingredients. Perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or when you're in the mood for a sweet treat but running low on pantry staples, these cookies are not only easy to whip up but also incredibly delicious. Let's dive into how you can create these delectable morsels with just five key ingredients.
What You’ll Need
To make these 5-ingredient peanut butter cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice!)
- 1 cup of sugar (granulated works best)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (if using unsalted peanut butter)
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to prepare your cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency. This mixture will be the base of your dough.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter-sugar mix, stirring well until everything is thoroughly blended.
- If you’re using unsalted peanut butter, don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, form balls approximately one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- With a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball to flatten it, creating the classic crisscross pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. They might still look underdone in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍪 Note: These cookies are prone to burning quickly, so keep an eye on them, especially in the last few minutes of baking.
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | Almond butter, Cashew butter, or Sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version |
| Sugar | Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey (note, honey will change the texture) |
| Egg | 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for a vegan option |
| Vanilla Extract | Almond extract, or skip for a more pronounced peanut butter flavor |
| Salt | Not necessary if using salted peanut butter, or can be omitted for a different taste |
To sum up, the beauty of these 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can bake up a batch of sweet, satisfying cookies that are not only quick to prepare but also delightful to eat. Whether you're new to baking or looking for a quick recipe to impress, this recipe proves that less is often more, and you don't need a lengthy ingredient list to achieve delicious results.
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
+
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. However, since it has less sugar and no stabilizers, the cookies might spread more. Consider chilling the dough before baking for better results.
What can I add to change up the flavor?
+
Try adding a handful of chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder to your dough for a flavor twist. Remember, any additions should be well mixed before scooping.
How do I store these peanut butter cookies?
+
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
